Birch Aquarium Contributes to Global Knowledge of Species

Did you know that Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego plays a pivotal role in creating the world’s largest and most comprehensive knowledge base on over 22,000 species? As a member of global nonprofit Species360, Birch Aquarium at Scripps contributes data on the animals and groups in its care every day, from lifecycle traits to environmental needs.

That information is recorded in the Species360 Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS), now 50 years old and the world's largest source of data on species. To date, Birch Aquarium has contributed data on more than 2,174 animals and 610  species, subspecies and breeds to Species360 ZIMS. 

ZIMS combines the data from Birch Aquarium with contributions from like-minded species conservation institutions worldwide. The result changes what is known about animals and their environments, including insight into disease treatment, animal welfare, population health, and species conservation.

“We are proud to be a part of this international effort and its impact on animal welfare and wildlife conservation. As part of our commitment to conservation and animal welfare, we meticulously record data on our animal collections. This ensures our animals receive the best care and contributes to species population management and conservation. By continuing to share our knowledge and expertise, we can make even greater strides in protecting the planet’s biodiversity," said Jenn Nero, Senior Director of Animal Care and Conservation at Birch Aquarium.

Birch Aquarium, like other zoos, aquariums and wildlife facilities worldwide, uses ZIMS to stay well informed about each animal and group. For instance, Species360 Global Medical Resources, part of the ZIMS for Medical module, help veterinarians treat and prevent diseases by providing benchmarks for normal blood test results. 

And ZIMS for Studbooks is utilized by conservation teams worldwide to ensure the genetic diversity and health of animal populations in human care. This is critical for reintroduction programs, where conservation institutions work to reestablish native species in their natural habitats, ensuring these populations are healthy and sustainable.